COMIC Billy Pearce plays the Wyvern Theatre on Wednesday, April 2.

The 51 year old was one of the most familiar faces on British television during the late 1980s and early 1990s.

His big break came in 1986 when he made it to the final of talent show New Faces in its Marti Caine-fronted incarnation. Previously he’s worked as everything from a Butlins Redcoat to a docker in an Icelandic fishing port.

Three years later his following was strong enough for him to be offered his own TV series, called You Gotta be Joking, and he is now the veteran of three Royal Variety Performances and Five Children’s Royal Variety Performances.

More recently he’s concentrated mainly on stage work, ranging from pantomime to the variety-style comedy which made his name.

Next week’s audience is promised: “National treasure Billy Pearce, one of Britain’s most talented and best-loved comedians, will bring laughter to Swindon when he treads the boards at the Wyvern.

“Billy has won just about every comedy award going – make sure you’re in the audience for this live show and find out what makes this man so funny!”

<li>Tickets for the performance, which starts at 7.30pm, cost £19.50 and can be obtained by calling the box office on 01793 524481 or visiting wyverntheatre.org.uk